A salute to five International League heroes
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE.
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE.
Rise and Shines: Last Friday, at 9:03 a.m., the Indianapolis Indians announced that they will retire Razor Shines’ No. 3 jersey as part of a multifaceted September celebration of the longstanding franchise’s most beloved player.
Shines played parts of nine seasons with Indianapolis (1984-93, excepting 1990), which largely occurred when the team was affiliated with the Montreal Expos. He was part of multiple title-winning teams and ranks high on the franchise’s all-time leaderboard in multiple categories.
I was reminded of Shines’ exalted status in Indianapolis when I visited the team’s home of Victory Field this past September. A mural on the outfield concourse features Shines and Indians president Max Schumacher celebrating after the Indians won the 1987 American Association Championship.
I also chatted with longtime Indians broadcaster Howard Kellman -- a franchise icon in his own right -- and this is what he had to say about Shines:
“He was a good player who got a lot of clutch hits. Switch-hitter, but natural left-handed hitter, which was unusual. In 1984, he was our team MVP. Three or four weeks into the season our PA announcer Kurt Hunt says, ‘Now batting RRRRRazor Shines.’ Razor lined a ball into the gap for a double, crowd was buzzing. … It just caught on and people around the city would go ‘RRRRRRazor Shines.’ That helped his popularity.”
Shines spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues with the Expos, but clearly his biggest impact came in Indianapolis. The Indians’ upcoming tribute got me thinking about other players who profile similarly, so without further ado:
Here are four more Triple-A heroes, all of whose careers ended after Shines. All of these individuals made their mark playing for a team that is currently part of the International League.
Jeff Manto, Buffalo Bisons
The history of the Buffalo Bisons stretches back to the 19th century, but nonetheless the team has only retired three numbers: Ollie Carnegie, Luke Easter and, you guessed it, Jeff Manto. His No. 30 was retired in 2001, following the conclusion of a 16-year professional career that included stints with eight Major League clubs.
Manto was a force in the Bisons’ lineup from 1997-2000, hitting 79 home runs over just 276 games. He helped lead the Cleveland affiliate to an International League title in 1998 and followed that up by hitting .533 in the Triple-A World Series.
Manto was no stranger to the International League prior to his arrival in Buffalo. He won the league’s MVP in 1994, during a season in which he played for both Norfolk and Rochester. The peripatetic slugger also spent time in four other IL locales: Richmond, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pawtucket and Syracuse.
Corky Miller, Louisville Bats
Grizzled backstops don’t get more grizzled than cult hero Corky Miller, who, despite playing the game’s most demanding position, ended his career as the Louisville Bats’ all-time leader in games played (548). The Bats retired his No. 8 in 2014, making him the third player to receive that honor (the team has also retired the numbers of Jackie Robinson and his Louisville-born Brooklyn teammate Pee Wee Reese).
Miller played for the Bats from 2001-04 and again from ’09-14, becoming well acquainted with the drive between Louisville and parent-club Cincinnati. During Miller’s latter stint in Louisville, his mustache enjoyed a celebrity of its own, culminating in a Bats’ T-shirt giveaway that read “Fear the ‘Stache.”
Mike Hessman, Toledo Mud Hens
Mike Hessman’s career was capped by a crowning achievement: In 2015, the 6-foot-5 first baseman became Minor League Baseball’s all-time home run king. He earned that designation in his final season as a member of the Toledo Mud Hens, for whom he hit 184 of his 433 Minor League home runs.
Hessman had two stints in Toledo, from 2005-09 and 2014-15. Upon retiring he stayed within the Detroit Tigers system, working as a hitting coach. The Mud Hens, meanwhile, rechristened an area of their left-field concourse as the “Mike Hessman Home Run Alley.” Long may he reign.
Sean Kazmar, Gwinnett Stripers
When Sean Kazmar appeared in three games for the Atlanta Braves in 2021, it marked his first Major League appearance in over 12 years. He spent the bulk of his time in between playing for Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers (originally known as the Braves).
Kazmar, a right-handed infielder, played for Gwinnett from 2013-21. In the process, he set the Atlanta organization’s all-time record for hits at the Triple-A level (675). Following Kazmar’s retirement, Gwinnett produced a bobblehead featuring the beloved franchise stalwart doffing his cap to the crowd.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 441 OF THE SHOW BEFORE THE SHOW PODCAST HERE
Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz.
Trash Pandas shut out Barons 1-0 in Rickwood Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-31) continued their winning ways on Wednesday afternoon, grabbing a 1-0 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-24) during the Rickwood Classic. With this win, the Trash Pandas improved to 6-2 over their last eight games and took a 2-0 lead in the
BBQ Weekend to include sampling ticket fan vote for "Best Pork Butt" and "Best White Sauce"
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hosting BBQ Weekend at Toyota Field Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, and will be highlighted by "Best Pork Butt" and "Best White Sauce".. Fans are invited to purchase BBQ sampling ticket packages (limit of 200 available per game) to
Pandas start road trip with extra-inning win over Barons
The Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-31) started their six-game road series in Birmingham on Tuesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-23) in 10 innings. This win improved the Pandas' record to 5-2 in their last seven games as the series moves to historic Rickwood Field on
Sam Aldegheri recalled by Angels, Blankenhorn begins rehab assignment
MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels made the following roster moves on Monday, impacting the Rocket City Trash Pandas. They have recalled left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri, who will be joining the team in Boston. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has begun a rehabilitation assignment with the ACL Angels. This season,
Trash Pandas beat Shuckers 2-1 on Saturday behind Hurtado, homers and 7,162 fans at Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (18-30) picked up a 2-1 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (29-21) on Saturday night, thanks to two solo home runs and a quality start from Joel Hurtado. The win secured the series victory for the Trash Pandas, as they have taken four
Streaking Pandas sweep doubleheader from Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (17-29) swept a doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers (28-20) on Thursday night at Toyota Field, winning game one 2-1 and game two 4-1. The sweep extended their winning streak to three games, taking a 3-0 series lead over the first-place Shuckers. Rocket
Bullpen comes up big in 3-2 win over Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-29) returned to Toyota Field for the first time since May 11 and picked up a 3-2 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (28-18) on Wednesday night. All three of the Pandas' runs came in the fifth inning, ignited by a solo home
Welcome Home: Daly returns to the Rocket City
Mitch Daly’s baseball career started in Madison as a Bob Jones Patriot before taking him to Texas, Kentucky, and the rest of the country, chasing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. Wednesday marks his return to Madison, making his home debut for the Rocket City Trash Pandas after
Trash Pandas Unveil Two New Alternate Identities: The Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce
MADISON, Ala. – Barbecue in Alabama isn't just food—it's part of our identity. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce two new alternate identities for 2025, the Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce! The identities will be unleashed and the team will wear these specialty uniforms during a
Homestand Highlights: May 27 - June 1 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Biloxi Shuckers, May 28 – June 1. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Wednesday, May 28 | First Pitch: 6:35
Toyota Field welcomes summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages
MADISON, Ala. – Toyota Field is thrilled to welcome summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages. Kicking off today at 4:00 pm, the Trash Pandas will host The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair and Yoga in the Outfield. Other upcoming events include the rescheduled Rocket City Spring
Pandas use six-run sixth to earn late-night win on Saturday in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (14-28) endured a 69-minute rain delay on Saturday night in Chattanooga and then utilized a six-run sixth inning to secure an 8-5 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-22). The Trash Pandas recorded 11 hits and worked nine walks in a game that
Lookouts' gaffe, Guzman's blast lifts Rocket City to 7-5 win
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-27) secured a 7-5 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-21) on Thursday night at AT&T Field, snapping their four-game losing streak. The win featured home runs from Josh Crouch and Denzer Guzman, along with five unearned runs scored in the sixth inning.
Big Ol' Ballpark Fair returns to Toyota Field, May 15-25
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with Kissel Entertainment for the sixth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair in the Toyota Field parking lot from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 25. The Fair will be closed on Monday, May 19. Similar to previous years, the Big
Rada runs wild on Friday, but Lookouts beat Pandas 4-2
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Nelson Rada became the first player in Double-A this season to steal 20 bases on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-28) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-21) by a score of 4-2 at AT&T Field. Rada finished the game 1-for-3 with an RBI, a
Lookouts blank Trash Pandas 3-0 on Wednesday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On Wednesday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-27) were shut out for the second time this season, losing 3-0 to the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-20) at AT&T Field. This defeat marks the Trash Pandas' fourth consecutive loss, with the Lookouts winning the series' first two games. Wednesday's game
Pandas fall in rain-shortened series opener in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-26) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (19-20) in a rain-shortened game, with a final score of 7-1 in Tuesday's series opener at AT&T Field. The game was halted after seven innings at 8:04 pm CT and officially called at 9:35 pm due
Moore, Rada extend streaks, but Pandas drop series finale in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-25) concluded the first leg of their 12-game road trip, suffering a 5-1 loss to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (23-16) on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. In the loss, Nelson Rada walked, extending his on-base streak to 10 games, and recorded
Farris deals a quality start, but Trash Pandas fall 3-1 to Wahoos
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (22-16) defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-24) 3-1 on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium, limiting the Trash Pandas to just four hits. Rocket City starter Mitch Farris (L, 0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, despite allowing only one earned
Guzman doubles Trash Pandas to 4-2 Friday night win in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Denzer Guzman's three-run double in the fifth inning led the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-23) to a 4-2 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-16) on Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. This win evened the series at 2-2, heading into the weekend. The Rocket City bullpen
Blue Wahoos use five-run sixth inning to beat Trash Pandas 9-6
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-15) overcame three deficits and scored five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Rocket City Trash Pandas (11-23) 9-6 on Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Denzer Guzman led the Rocket City offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Hurtado dominates in Rocket City's 9-0 shutout of Wahoos on Wednesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket Trash Pandas (11-22) received a dominant pitching performance from Joel Hurtado (W, 3-2), shutting out the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-15) on Wednesday morning by a score of 9-0 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. José Quijada and Camden Minacci combined with Hurtado for the four-hit shutout, the first
Errors prove costly in 3-2 extra-inning loss in Pensacola on Tuesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket City Trash Pandas (10-22) lost 3-2 in 11 innings to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-14) in the opener of a six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Three costly errors contributed to the defeat, as all three runs scored by Pensacola were unearned. Rocket City dropped to
Rada, Trash Pandas win series finale over Biscuits on Mother's Day
MADISON, Ala. – The Trash Pandas were four outs away from being swept at home by the Montgomery Biscuits before a two-out, two-run single from centerfielder Nelson Rada in the sixth inning propelled the home team to a 7-5 win in game two of a doubleheader. Rocket City dropped game